Lord Asima, born Asima bint Mahmed al-Layali, is the Knight-Protector of Azizah. A task of such importance is normally assigned to a ranking eunuch instead of a knight, but at Azizah's request Selim al-Najib entrusted Lord Asima with the duty of protecting his wife.

The Sultan appointed Lord Asima without hesitation, knowing that she can no more father a child in Azizah than an eunuch. Lord Asima was born a woman, and wears gray.